Director's Thoughts #15 – When It Works

Have you ever had a plan that when it finally came to fruition – it actually worked? Like – it ended up going extremely smoothly for so many moving parts that you’re surprised by the whole thing?
Well, that’s what happened to me this past Monday! But, first a little background – my library is shaped like the letter “L”.You walk into the library and then you have to take a left to the children’s department. Well, there are were seven patron computers set up right at this intersection which was the cause of a lot of bumping into people, traffic jams and dirty looks when children’s programming let out of our programming space and into the main library. It was a through-fare and a busy/loud one at that.
For years, and I do mean years, I’ve been wanting to move these computers. Before I became the director, I had brought this issue up to the department heads a few times and was always told that it was a lot of work, there wasn’t any space and other excuses. But, when I became director almost a year and a half ago, I vowed that if these computers could move, I would move them. I felt the public would be less likely to make comments and hush other patrons as they walked by, making everyone just a little bit happier in the library.
It finally happened this Monday morning – the stars aligned and I was able to get the IT staff, building maintenance and myself to get the work done! I got into work at 7am and started moving a few small things and truly mapping out what needed to be done in what order. By 7:30, building maintenance and IT showed up and by 11am we were able to move bookshelves, seven computers, four computer desks, the magnifier, the typewriter, the fax/scanner, and get everything up and running again. And I do mean we, I make a point of getting on the floor and getting dirty as needed – using power tools, helping move furniture on to dollies and connecting computers.
We only have one small issue that needs to be addressed by the electrician (exchanging one type of outlet for another), otherwise the whole project went extremely smoothly and we’re already getting some positive feedback from patrons.
And if I’m being honest, I’ve been basking in the glow of this project and I’m so happy that it went as well as it did!